Glasgow Warriors artificial pitch given green light

Scotstoun Stadium is set for a major upgrade this summer after Glasgow City Council approved plans that will see a synthetic playing surface installed and improvements to the existing athletics facilities.

The works will ensure that the stadium retains its position as a centre of excellence for rugby and athletics, while at the same time continuing to meet the needs of the wider sporting community.

The project will be funded by Glasgow City Council, Scottish Rugby/Glasgow Warriors and sportscotland and, subject to contracts being finalised, work will commence later this month with completion expected ahead of the 2016/17 rugby season.

Glasgow Warriors are the latest club in the UK to announce the switch to an artificial surface, following Saracens, Cardiff Blues, Newcastle Falcons and Worcester Warriors.

As well as a new synthetic playing surface, which will meet World Rugby guidelines, work will commence on improved athletics and rugby training facilities, a new event standard throws area and improvements to the outdoor running track.(L-R) Stewart Harris (Sportscotland Chief Executive), Gregor Townsend (Glasgow Warriors head coach), Nathan Bombrys (Glasgow Warriors Chief Executive), Grayson Hart (Glasgow Warriors), Councillor Archie Graham, Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors) and Gordon Innes (Secretary of Victoria Park Athletics Club) are on hand to announce a new synthetic playing surface will be in installed at Scotstoun

While the pitch will be predominantly for use by the athletics and rugby communities, a programme for wider community use is being developed.

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org, Glasgow Warriors managing director Nathan Bombrys said: "A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes over the last few months, culminating in today's announcement and this is fantastic news for everyone who uses the stadium.

"From next season we'll have an excellent surface all year round, to play the exciting brand of rugby we enjoy.

"It will also provide us with exciting opportunities, which will help us grow the club and the game in the west of Scotland.

"We have visited a number of clubs who have similar surfaces, which they either play or train on and we believe an artificial surface is the best solution for Scotstoun Stadium.

"We'd like to thank Scottish Rugby, Glasgow City Council and sportscotland for funding this project."

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